At approximately 12:30 p.m., yesterday afternoon, the ASPCA assisted the NYPD Vice Division with removing 50 dogs from a six story apartment building at 1254 Sherman Avenue in the Bronx. The Bronx District Attorney was also on hand as the police gathered forensic evidence that suggested the dogs were being used in a dog fighting ring.

According to the ASPCA, the dogs, which range from 12 weeks to five years of age, “exhibited injuries indicative of fighting,” and were being kept in a windowless basement that featured “a makeshift arena with estimated capacity for 100 spectators.”

Twenty-two crudely constructed wooden containers were removed from the dwelling as well as numerous pet carriers and various dog-fighting paraphernalia, such as dog treadmills, harnesses, muzzles and syringes. A .25-caliber handgun was also removed by authorities.

Raul Sanchez, 57, the building's superintendent, was charged with a felony for animal fighting with other related charges to possibly follow.

“The dogs we saw today exhibited scarring and injuries consistent with fighting dogs. The ASPCA is determined to protect New York City's animals from this form of cruelty,” said Howard Lawrence, senior director of operations for the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement department.

In addition to assisting with the collection of evidence from the scene and removing the animals from the apartment building, the ASPCA is providing the Bronx district attorney’s office with legal support to assist with the prosecution of the case. The dogs were transferred to a temporary shelter by the ASPCA where the organization’s emergency response medical team will further evaluate them.